Government plans to reopen schools for pupils with special needs on Thursday are in chaos amidst a backlash from teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs).
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The head of an autism charity has appealed for clarity from both the Department of Education and INTO teachers union over the re-opening of special schools and classes.
Adam Harris, CEO of As I Am, said a lack of clear information and concreate commitments is causing major distress for families.
It comes after the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said serious safety concerns must be addressed prior to any re-opening of schools.
The union claims teachers safety concerns have not been adequately addressed by the Government, and has called on the Department of Education to reconsider plans to resume in-school special education this week.
Schools were seen to be safe environments in the autumn and the public health advisory body, Nphet, holds the view that if they were open, they would still be safe.
INTO urges Dept to reconsider special education plan
Updated / Monday, 18 Jan 2021
21:35
The Irish National Teachers Organisation said it will continue to engage with the Department on reopening schools
Education Correspondent
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Irish National Teachers Organisation has said the grave safety concerns of teachers have not been adequately addressed.
Following an emergency meeting, the CEC called on the Department of Education to reconsider its plan to resume in-school special education this week.
In a statement, the INTO said teachers had serious concerns about the public health advice provided at today s webinar in relation to the planned limited reopening of special education.